Portrait's take on heavy metal never needed a makeover; while they were never reinventing the wheel to begin with they proved that they could decorate it to fit their identity throughout their debut and "Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae." Those records felt like the group was still experimenting conceptually with certain song structures and themes, which ended up making very fine releases, but not of the sought-after element of perfection. "Crossroads" works out the kinks of Portrait's former works and offers eight remarkable anthems that are simply astounding. These tracks are multilayered and intricate, each exhibiting marvelous riffs and progressions that once again closely mirror the guitar work and structuring of Michael Denner and Hank Shermann of Mercyful Fate fame. However, their interpretation of Mercyful Fate's style is updated and individualistic, not some half-assed tribute.

"Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae" sealed its fate as a winner due to its passion and its intensity, which were thankfully carried over on "Crossroads." Stylistically Portrait is the same, but their songwriting abilities have multiplied significantly. They soar through perplexing, prog-ish riffs on "Beyond the Ghost Gate" with ease and transition effortlessly to rip-riding, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond-esque metal onslaughts like "We Were Not Alone" (superb chorus!) and "In Time." Per Lengstedt has also morphed into a dominating vocalist; his falsettos and low-register vocals grab the desired vitality of a highflying, meaningful singer, putting his performance here among the elites. The lead melodies and solos are similarly plentiful in number and enrich the package considerably. Every piece of every track is animated; the amount of care put into these songs is just unbelievable.